What to do about carpenter bees in your home

Carpenter bees are a frequent concern for homeowners throughout the Miami Valley, especially in neighborhoods with older homes, wooden decks, barns, or outdoor structures. These large, slow moving bees are often seen hovering around eaves, porches, and railings during spring and early summer. While they are not aggressive, their nesting habits create structural problems that worsen if left unaddressed. Understanding the risks, the behavior patterns common in southwestern Ohio, and the early signs of carpenter bee activity will help you protect your home before the damage becomes significant.

The damage and risk carpenter bees cause

Carpenter bees do not eat wood, but they drill perfectly round entry holes that lead into long tunnels called galleries. These tunnels weaken wooden structures over time. Railings, siding, fascia boards, decks, pergolas, porch beams, and outbuildings are all common targets. Year after year, carpenter bees return to the same areas to expand their galleries or create new ones. This repeated nesting causes more internal damage than most homeowners realize.

Their drilling also attracts woodpeckers. In the Miami Valley, woodpecker damage is often more destructive than the bees themselves. Woodpeckers tear into the wood aggressively to reach the larvae inside the galleries, leaving behind large gouges and shredded areas. Over time, this combination of bee activity and woodpecker feeding can lead to expensive repairs and replacement of exterior wood.

Although carpenter bees rarely sting and are considered gentle, the females can sting if handled or trapped. Families often feel uneasy when bees appear near doors, patios, or play areas, especially when children or pets are nearby.

Carpenter bee behavior patterns in the Miami Valley

Carpenter bees become active in early spring in southwestern Ohio. As temperatures warm, the adults emerge from overwintering sites and begin searching for suitable wood to excavate. Homes in wooded areas, neighborhoods with older structures, and properties with untreated or weathered wood are especially vulnerable. The Miami Valley has many such environments, which keeps carpenter bee activity steady from April through June.

Males can be seen hovering near the nest area, appearing territorial. Although they cannot sting, their behavior often makes homeowners uncomfortable. Females focus on drilling and laying eggs inside the galleries. By midsummer, larvae inside the tunnels begin to mature. This is when woodpecker damage becomes more common, since woodpeckers seek out the larvae as a food source.

As the season moves into late summer and early fall, newly emerged carpenter bees may continue exploring or extending old galleries. These same bees often return to the same nesting sites the following year if the openings are not treated or sealed.

Signs that carpenter bees have established themselves

Carpenter bee activity is usually easy to spot once you know what to look for. The most obvious sign is a round, smooth entry hole about the size of a dime, often found on the underside of exposed wood. Sawdust may appear beneath the hole or on nearby surfaces as the bees tunnel inward.

You may also hear faint scraping or buzzing noises inside wooden boards when a female is actively drilling. Increased woodpecker activity around your home is another sign that carpenter bee larvae are present. If you see bees repeatedly circling the same part of your porch, fascia board, or deck, it usually means they have established a nest.

When you should take action

Carpenter bees should be addressed as soon as you notice signs of nesting. The damage grows each season if the galleries are left untreated. Store bought sprays and surface applications do little to reach the main tunnels, and sealing holes without proper treatment traps live bees inside, which only leads to more tunneling in new directions. Preventing next year’s return requires eliminating the current activity and closing the entry points correctly.

Homes with repeated carpenter bee activity can develop widespread wood weakening that adds stress and expense for homeowners. Waiting too long also increases the chance of woodpecker damage, which creates far more visible destruction.

The right next step

If you see carpenter bees around your home or notice their drill holes and sawdust, the best thing to do is contact Midwest Pest and Wildlife Control. We treat the galleries, address active bees, and protect vulnerable wood so the problem does not return next season. Early action prevents structural damage, reduces the risk of woodpeckers tearing into your home, and keeps your outdoor areas safe and comfortable.